Small Postman vs Kauri Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Small Postman	Kauri Moth
Scientific Name	Heliconius erato	Agathiphaga vitiensis
Order	Lepidoptera	Lepidoptera
Family	Nymphalidae	Agathiphagidae
Size	55-80 mm wingspan	8-12 mm wingspan
Habitat	Forests	Forests
Diet	Nectar Feeders	Seed Feeders
Regions	South America, Central America	Oceania (Fiji, Vanuatu, Queensland)
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Small Postman

A neotropical butterfly with black wings and vivid red, yellow, or white bands depending on the geographic race. It is a classic example of Mullerian mimicry.

💡

Did You Know?

This butterfly and its co-mimic Heliconius melpomene have become one of the most important model systems for studying the genetics of adaptation.

Kauri Moth

An extremely primitive moth considered a living fossil, with larvae that feed inside the seeds of kauri pine trees. It retains ancient features including functional mandibles in the adult stage. The family Agathiphagidae contains only two known species.

💡

Did You Know?

This moth is considered one of the most primitive living Lepidoptera, retaining mandibles that most moths and butterflies lost millions of years ago.